Gilbert Quote by Elizabeth Gilbert
““Once upon a time, there was a man named Jack Gilbert, who was not related to me—unfortunately for me. Jack Gilbert was a great poet, but if you’ve never heard of him, don’t worry about it. It’s not your fault. He never much cared about being known. But I knew about him, and I loved him dearly from a respectful distance, so let me tell you about him. Jack Gilbert was born in Pittsburgh in 1925 and grew up in the midst of that city’s smoke, noise, and industry. He worked in factories and steel mills as a young man, but was called from an early age to write poetry. He answered the call without hesitation. He became a poet the way other men become monks: as a devotional practice, as an act of love, and as a lifelong commitment to the search for grace and transcendence. I think this is probably a very good way to become a poet. Or to become anything, really, that calls to your heart and brings you to life.””
About This Quote
Source Interview: “Big Magic” with Elizabeth Gilbert, 2015
The passage celebrates how following a deep, personal calling—like poetry—can become a devoted, life‑long practice that brings meaning and transcendence.
In simple terms: Following your heart leads to a devoted, meaningful life.
Key Takeaway
Answer the call of your inner passion.
Themes
calling
devotion
purpose
creativity
transcendence
Mood
inspired
reflective
Type
philosophical
motivational
When to use this quote
- Choosing a career
- starting a creative hobby
- overcoming fear of obscurity
- finding meaning in work
Key Concepts
Poetic vocation
spiritual practice
life calling
Questions to Reflect On
- What inner calling have you ignored?
- How can you nurture a practice that feels like a devotion?
A Different Perspective
Not everyone can sustain a lifelong devotion without practical support or financial stability.
![“And while [we] do have possibilities that are vast and magnificent and almost infinite in scope, it's important to remember that our choice-rich lives have the potential to breed their own brand of trouble. We are susceptible to emotional uncertainties and neuroses that are probably not very…” quote by Elizabeth Gilbert](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/7fb/elizabeth-gilbert-131_choice_and-while-we-do-have-possibilities-that_30637.jpg)
